Energy Titans Look to Myanmar

The U.S. continues to ban doing business with certain entities linked with the old military regime. Pictured, a pipeline site in northeastern Myanmar.

U.S. energy giants Chevron Corp. and General Electric Co.are seeking deals in Myanmar as Washington slowly removes investment restrictions, playing catch-up to global rivals who have already rushed in to take advantage of the country’s mostly untapped oil and gas wealth.

Governments around the world have been reducing sanctions on the Southeast Asian nation after dramatic political and economic reforms, including the release from house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last month that steps are being taken to authorize new U.S. investment and permit Myanmar to gain access to international markets and dollar-based transactions.

Advertisement

Still, the U.S. continues to ban imports of products from Myanmar and doing business with certain entities or individuals closely associated with the military-backed regime that previously governed.

About Southeast Asia Real Time

Indonesia Real Time provides analysis and insight into the region, which includes Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. Contact the editors at SEAsia@wsj.com.

Jakarta residents share their views on how Gov. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has been running Jakarta and whether they're worried about plans by city council to investigate his handling of this year's budget.